Solar Panels Cost $5.7k-$17k in Merrimack County, NH | May, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Merrimack County, NH in 2025?
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For the month of May, 2025, the price per watt of a solar panel installation in Merrimack County, NH is $4.09/W.
Based on the cost per watt, we are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will require an investment of $4,090 for installation. A 5 kW solar system in Merrimack County is typically about $14,315 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. It's important to note that a higher capacity system could be required to adequately cover your energy consumption.
On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Merrimack County: $14,315US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Merrimack County: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Merrimack County: $25,942US Average: $17,100
Solar Potential in Merrimack County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Merrimack County.
Roof size 536sq. ft.
Capacity 7.5kW DC
Electricity 8.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Merrimack County, NH & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Merrimack County typically pay 193.30 per month for electricity, with an average monthly usage of657 kWh. Compact living spaces, such as apartments and cottages, are also considered in the statistics cited in the prior sentence.
As of May 2025, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Merrimack County, NH amounts to 29.43¢.
Currently, a 6 kW setup will be priced at around $24,540upfront, but thanks to the federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $17,178.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Merrimack County
Available below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Merrimack County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is greater, but they also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $193.30 in Merrimack County. To get customized results, easily adjust the $193.30to reflect your average electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $778 a year
Est. Price
$5,726
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,682 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 61 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,308 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,167 a year
Est. Price
$8,589
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,023 kWh
Est. monthly savings $97
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 92 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,963 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,555 a year
Est. Price
$11,452
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,364 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 123 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,617 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,944 a year
Est. Price
$14,315
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,705 kWh
Est. monthly savings $162
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 153 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,271 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,333 a year
Est. Price
$17,178
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,045 kWh
Est. monthly savings $193
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.98 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,852 mi less a year
Merrimack County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your solar or wind turbine project. Believe you fall into this category? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar is offered to most homeowners, which makes solar energy a wise choice in numerous regions nationwide. There are also a range of state and local efforts aimed at increasing solar energy use.
Various utilities and government organizations in New Hampshire have 9 solar rebate and incentive programs.
Solar incentives in NHIncentive Description Value
Residential Small Renewable Energy Rebate Program
Value:Up to $1
The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission manages a centralized incentive program for homeowners installing new renewable energy systems. Rebates are funded through penalty fees paid by utilities as part of the state's renewable portfolio standard law. Qualifying projects include solar PV and wind microturbines. Solar systems should be UL certified, while wind systems are subject to minimum speed, setback, and height requirements. The total rebate amount will vary depending on a system's capacity. Currently, the incentive rate is 20 cents per watt up to a maximum of $1,000 or 30% of the original purchase price. Additional information is available from the PUC website.
Commercial & Industrial Solar Rebate Program
Value:Up to $10,000
The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission manages a centralized incentive program for homeowners installing new solar water heaters and HVAC systems. Rebates are funded through penalty fees paid by utilities as part of renewable portfolio standard laws. Qualifying projects should meet all applicable local, state, and federal standards, with the project owner requesting funding and obtaining an energy efficiency audit prior to installation. Homeowners served by a local public utility do not qualify as they are not subject to the renewable portfolio standard. Additional information is available through the PUC website.
Residential Solar Water Heating Rebates
Value:Up to $1,900
Any New Hampshire homeowner may qualify for a rebate on new solar water heaters regardless of which utility they use. Incentives are offered through the state Public Utilities Commission and are funded through penalty fees assessed to utilities as part of the state's renewable portfolio standard. Rebate amounts are fixed and depend on the BTU capacity of the heater, ranging from $1,500 to $1,900. Homeowners must apply and earn preapproval before purchasing and installing their system through a participating contractor. Additional information is available through the PUC website.
Residential Solar Water Heating Rebates
Value:Up to $1,500
Any New Hampshire homeowner may qualify for a rebate on new solar water heaters regardless of which utility they use. Incentives are offered through the state Public Utilities Commission and are funded through penalty fees assessed to utilities as part of the state's renewable portfolio standard. Rebate amounts are fixed and depend on the BTU capacity of the heater, ranging from $1,500 to $1,900. Homeowners must apply and earn preapproval before purchasing and installing their system through a participating contractor. Additional information is available through the PUC website.
Local Option - Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy Districts
Value:Varies
Local and county governments in New Hampshire may create property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs to support property owners making renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. Effectively, PACE funding comes from the government, with applications and screening handled through a private lender. Repayment will take the form of a property tax lien senior to mortgages. Should the owner sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for the loan. Any commercial, industrial, or large multi-family residential property may qualify for PACE loans. Single-family homes or multi-family properties below 5 units do not qualify due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Potential applicants should check with their local government to determine financing options and requirements for participation.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Value:Varies
In New Hampshire, all private utilities and electrical cooperatives are required to comply with a renewable portfolio standard dictating the state's investment in clean energy. Current objectives require at least 25.2% of retail electricity in the state to be sourced renewably by 2025. Eligible technologies include solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and some landfill gas systems. Compliance with the standard is measured using a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) system pegging a fixed amount of electricity to a variable dollar value. Each renewable energy device generates RECs, though utilities are expected to purchase much of their share of RECs from private customers. Should a utility fail to meet its quota of RECs, it will be assessed a penalty charge for each kilowatt it is deficient. Additional information is available from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission website.
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy and Electrical Energy Storage
Value:Varies
In New Hampshire, local governments may elect to create property tax exemptions on solar/wind energy systems, electrical storage devices, and wood-burning thermal systems (not fireplaces). Exemptions for each system should be enacted separately rather than all together. Currently, 135 localities have these exemptions within their tax codes. Interested property owners should consult with their local assessor for additional information on the specific statutes that may apply to them.
Enterprise Energy Fund Loans
Value:Varies
The Enterprise Energy Fund is a revolving loan program sponsored by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and Community Loan Fund (CLF). Commercial property owners can borrow EEF loans to make a variety of energy efficiency upgrades or install new renewable energy systems. Repaid funds immediately "revolve" to another borrower, allowing for perpetual state investment and continued support through interest. Loans from $50,000 to $500,000 may be repaid over 10 years, with variable interest depending on the length of the repayment period and the tax status of the borrower. Nonprofit agencies may receive lower interest rates and more tailored repayment plans. Additional information is available from the CDFA website.
Commercial & Industrial Renewable Energy Grants
Value:Varies
In New Hampshire, large commercial, industrial, nonprofit, or public-sector properties may be eligible for renewable energy grants through the state's Public Utilities Commission. Grants range from $150,000 to $1 million in size and can support new solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, or geothermal generation and thermal systems. Finished installations should be interconnected to the electrical grid under a net metering agreement. Additional information is available from the PUC website.
Are solar panels worth it in Merrimack County, NH?
Homeowners in Merrimack County who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an obvious choice. In Merrimack County, NH, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $32,077 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Merrimack County, NH
Forgoing the installation of solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and total reliance on your electric utility for power. Several recent examples in the news have revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Yearly, the utilities in Merrimack County have recorded about 0.71 outages per customer. Typically, outages have an average duration of 68.17 minutes. However, during significant events such as tornadoes, grid management errors, or wildlife damage, these times can drastically increase.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Merrimack County.
Owning a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the strain of any future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Merrimack County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Merrimack County, NH?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to offset their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels are offered in a range of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your selected installer make it crucial to pick a highly rated company. For a better long-term experience, buyers should consider superior quality makes and models.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price but are better at generating energy. The majority of solar panel installers use panels made of this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, irregular terrain, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. Today, the many solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and factor in these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varied employee wages paid by companies cause costs that consumers ultimately paying . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees vary locally and will impact your installation cost. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Merrimack County cities
As of May, 2025, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Merrimack County, NH is $4.09/W. In Merrimack County, NH, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $14,315 after applying the federal tax credit.
New Hampshire offers 9 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. In addition, nearly all people are eligible for the 30%federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Merrimack County, NH averages 6 years, with electricity savings of about $32,077 over 20 years.